Welcome to Kaira Konko Scout Lodge, The Gambia!

Kaira Konko means 'hill of peace' in Mandinka. Mandinka is a tribal language widely spoken in The Gambia. Kaira Konko Scout Lodge is an ideal base for Scout Expeditions to The Gambia. The Scout centre sits close to the River Gambia on the edge of the market town of Soma in the Lower River Division. Kaira Konko Scout Lodge was built by Gambian Scouts with funds raised by Marion Christmas MBE and the 2nd Bentley Scout Group, Hampshire and was opened in 1998 by The British High Commissioner. Now Kaira Konko is a thriving Scout centre that welcomes Scout expeditions from overseas and provides excellent accommodation for business people and tourists visiting Soma.

To a special corner of Africa

Kaira Konko is an amazing place that encompasses all that is best about Scouting. Since links between Hampshire Scouting and The Gambia began in 1989, many Scouts have stayed at Kaira Konko. Other organisations have also formed links with Soma and Hampshire’s friendship with Soma has extended beyond the Scout centre.

Welcoming visitors

Kaira Konko Scout Lodge welcomes all visitors to Soma whether or not they are Scouts. The accommodation in the main Lodge includes bunk beds in the Hall, two en-suite twin bedrooms and two twin bedrooms with shared shower room with flush toilet. There is a separate building with two bedrooms each with their own private shower room and pretty verandas. Guests help to support the centre in providing Scouting for many of the children of Soma.

With the support of Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire

Kaira Konko Scout Centre is supported by Kaira Konko Scout Active Support based in the UK and whose President is The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mrs Mary Fagan, JP. The Fellowship oversees the management of the centre and aims to make the centre self supporting and sustainable in the future. At present the lodge is dependent on charitable donations to continue its work promoting Scouting in The Gambia, to sponsor scouts through school, providing a pleasant and safe environment for children who have very little else and to improve the accommodation.